Welcome to the CF Rocksmith 2014 Championship!

-= Week 643 =-

=> How and Why join the Championships?
=> Rocksmith 2014 Championships rules

Previous’ week Winners are
:Lead:
- Beginner: @EmbraceTheAbsurd (90)
- Intermediate: @Daz40 (90)
- Advanced: @Mikson (96.92)
- Masterclass: @veggs95 (95.9)
- God of Guitar: @veggs95 (97.56)

Rhythm:
- Beginner: LOST TROPHY
- Intermediate: @rosefog (86)
- Advanced: @Daz40 0 (96)
- Masterclass: @veggs95 5 (97.79)

Bass:
- Beginner: LOST TROPHY
- Intermediate: @Vodka (97)
- Advanced: @Daz40 (100)
- Masterclass: @rosefog (98.46)



Congrats to all winners. Well done!
This week’s songs are:
Lead Path:
Beginner: YUNGBLUD - 11 Minutes (3*) (E Standard) selected by drand
Beginner Bonus: Spice Girls - Wannabe (2.5) (E Standard) selected by daz40
Intermediate: Hawthorne Heights - Ohio Is for Lovers (5*) (Drop D) selected by ca51
Intermediate Bonus: Slipknot - Snuff (4) (C# Standard) selected by Emmy/Dell
Advanced: Avenged Sevenfold - Unholy Confessions (6.5) (Drop D) selected by drand
Masterclass: Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Revisited) (8.5) (Eb Standard) selected by maltasoron

Rhythm Path:
Beginner: YUNGBLUD - 11 Minutes (2.5) (E Standard) selected by drand
Beginner Bonus: Spice Girls - Wannabe (2) (E Standard) selected by daz40
Intermediate: Hawthorne Heights - Ohio Is for Lovers (5*) (Drop D) - Alt. Lead path!!!! selected by ca51
Intermediate Bonus: Slipknot - Snuff (4) (C# Standard) selected by Emmy/Dell
Advanced: Avenged Sevenfold - Unholy Confessions (6.5) (Drop D) selected by drand
Masterclass: Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Revisited) (7.5) (Eb Standard) selected by maltasoron

Bass Path:
Beginner: Hawthorne Heights - Ohio Is for Lovers (2.5) (E Standard) selected by ca51
Beginner Bonus: Spice Girls - Wannabe (2.5) (E Standard) selected by daz40
Intermediate: JENNIE - Handlebars (4.5) (E Standard) selected by ca51
Intermediate Bonus: Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Revisited) (4) (Eb Standard) selected by maltasoron
Advanced: Camel - Lady Fantasy (7.5^) (E Standard) selected by JobwanMojo
Advanced Bonus: Avenged Sevenfold - Unholy Confessions (6) (Drop D) selected by drand
Masterclass: Louis Cole - Park Your Car on My Face (8) (E Standard) selected by ca51
Masterclass Bonus: Caio Cenci - Wide Steps (7.5) (E Standard) selected by ca51

(N) - difficulty rating
(N*) - highest difficulty rating for the class (promotion to higher class possible)
(N^) - difficulty rating higher than the highest for the class (promotion possible)

Check current week Rocksmith Championship Leaderboard


You can submit your song suggestions for the championship here
NEW! - easly add songs even on your mobile!:
Add Song Suggestion

Song Suggestions List available to view here: Google Sheets Spreadsheet

Share with us your opinion on this weeks songs difficulty scores (1-10).

Do you want to host a week? Join the Championship organizing team!!!
The process is smooth and there is a tutorial as well. If you are interested, send a personal message to Rodman."

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

this weeks selection are of songs about love/heartbreak. I found the guitar selection a bit of a downer so i added some more happy songs on bass to even it up.

NGL a bit lazzy, so heres what my gf gpt wrote about the songs (looks like still no luck with links):

1. Spice Girls – "Wannabe"

• Speedy Success: The song was reportedly written in just 30 minutes.

• What is a "Zigazig-ah"? There’s a long-standing rumor that the nonsensical phrase was actually an inside joke aimed at a specific 90s pop star who used to occupy the studio next to them and had a habit of... venting loudly.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ
  
  (i only remember this song being in stuart littles dvd in the special features. Oddly enough found a blog that said it wasnt on there that it was this song instead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytxOCVcxexo
  so now im a bit confused, different timeline)
  
  
  2. JENNIE – "Handlebars" (Cover)

• “Handlebars” is a 2025 single by Jennie featuring Dua Lipa, from Jennie’s debut solo album Ruby.

  It’s an R&B-pop track using a bike metaphor (“over the handlebars”) to describe the rush and vulnerability of falling in love.

  This marks their first official duet as solo artists together.
  The video quickly racked up millions of views, trending on YouTube, and solidified “Handlebars” as one of the standout tracks from Ruby.
  
  Apparently the song was released on my bday :)
  

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seARsMwjbEU
  
  
  
  3. Hawthorne Heights – "Ohio Is for Lovers"

  • The "Emo" Anthem: Often called the "national anthem of emo," the song wasn't actually written in Ohio. It was written in a studio in Florida while the band was homesick and missing their girlfriends.

  • The Screams: The iconic "Cut my wrists and black my eyes" lyric was meant as a metaphor for the pain of being away from loved ones, but it became one of the most controversial (and famous) lyrics of the 2000s.
    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu_cv0ToVOk
    
    4. Slipknot – "Snuff"

    • The Emotional Masterpiece: Drummer Joey Jordison famously said that when Corey Taylor first played him the demo for this song, Joey started crying. It was a complete departure from their usual chaos—a raw, acoustic-driven ballad.

      +1

    • A "Forbidden" Song: For a long time, the band fought over whether to include it on All Hope Is Gone. Corey Taylor had to fight for its inclusion because he felt it was the only way to express the "heaviest heartbreak" he had ever felt (following his divorce).

    • The Maskless Video: The music video is one of the few times you see Corey Taylor without his mask. It’s a psychological thriller featuring legendary actor Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange). It ends with a shocking twist where Corey "becomes" the woman he’s obsessed with—a metaphor for how grief can consume your identity.

    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXEKuttVRIo
    

5. Caio Cenci – "Wide Steps"

• The Modern Vibe: Caio Cenci is a rising force in the soulful, lo-fi, and indie-pop scene. "Wide Steps" is often cited for its minimalist production, relying on "breathing room" in the arrangement to highlight his unique vocal phrasing.
  
  https://youtu.be/KLogMvNb-Fg?si=lJnkXhlxeieT7hFm

6. Avenged Sevenfold – "Unholy Confessions"

• The Riff that Launched a Genre: This song is credited with helping bring metalcore into the mainstream.

• No Solos? Interestingly, despite Synyster Gates being a "guitar hero," this track is famous for not having a traditional guitar solo—relying instead on that massive, driving main riff.
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSaBveD7zvA

7. Louis Cole – "Park Your Car on My Face"

• DIY Mastery: Louis Cole is a pioneer of the "High-Res Funk" movement. He recorded much of his early viral content—including the drums for his hyper-complex tracks—in his small Los Angeles bedroom.

• The Title: Like many of Cole's tracks, the absurd title masks incredibly sophisticated music theory and jaw-dropping drumming skills.
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0yTilal3_c

8. Camel – "Lady Fantasy"

• Prog Rock Royalty: This is a multi-suite masterpiece from the 1974 album Mirage. It’s actually three different movements joined together: "Encounter," "Smiles for You," and "Lady Fantasy."

• The Gear: Guitarist Andrew Latimer’s tone on this track is legendary among gearheads; he used a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Reverb to get that "singing" sustain that defines the 70s prog sound.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrt50p29mAY
  
  
  9. Sonata Arctica – "San Sebastian (Revisited)"

  • The Irony of the Sun: The song uses the "Sun of San Sebastian" as a central metaphor for a love that is too intense to handle. Interestingly, the real San Sebastian in Spain is actually known for being quite rainy and overcast—the "Sun" is a symbol of a dream that burns the narrator because he looked at it too long.

  • Speed Demonry: While the original version appeared on their Successor EP, the "Revisited" version (from the album Silence) is often the fan favorite. It showcases Tony Kakko’s incredible vocal range and the band’s signature "melodic speed metal" style, which influenced an entire generation of European power metal.

  • Marriage to the Moon: The lyrics conclude with the narrator being "married to the moon," suggesting that after being burned by the intensity of a "sun-like" love, he has settled for a colder, lonelier, but safer existence.
    
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=666dM-yunYg
    
    10
    YUNGBLUD, Halsey & Travis Barker – "11 Minutes"

    • The Modern Tragedy: YUNGBLUD described the song as a "perfect modern tragedy." It tells the story of a couple who split up because of the pressures of society (the need for money, power, and success over love). Years later, they realize they can't live without each other and decide to meet.

    • The Title's Meaning: The title refers to the girl being "11 minutes away" from their meeting spot when she gets into a fatal car accident. The song represents the boy’s subconscious looping those last 11 minutes forever.
      
      if i had added another song it couldve been the 11th track, owell. I thought it was gonna be a cover of 7 seconds by Youssou N'Dour
      when testing it out but realized its not even the same name. both good songs though
      
      there is one chord that is quite stretchy for beginners but i believe if its too far either you can just pivot/shift between the two notes since theres enough time or you can use the string below instead
      
      
      
      anyways hope you guys enjoy the selection

Is that 👀 Avenged Sevenfold? Let's gooo 🏃‍♀️💨

I saw Hawthorne Heights open for Chiodos recently 😅 Singer yells "we the heaviest band here" when Emmure just played right before I was perplexed 🤔

Fun song to slappa the bass! think I broke my arm 😵

Thanks for the week! @cacahuate51

I didn't expect songs by Slipknot or Avenged Sevenfold in a week with such a theme 😆

I was also surprised to see Lady Fantasy in the selection. This is an amazing composition and one of my favorite songs ever. I didn't even know that someone suggested this for selection, especially since this lasts over 12 minutes.

Some time ago I created a CDLC with a guitar path, I was also going to add a bass path to make the CDLC complete, but I haven't been able to get back to it lately...

6 hours ago, drand said:

I saw Hawthorne Heights open for Chiodos recently 😅 Singer yells "we the heaviest band here" when Emmure just played right before I was perplexed 🤔

The link worked!! well that line reminded me of this video 😅. (Never really got into his fir stuff but his album as the first singer of etf still holds a spot in my heart.)

Thanks for hosting @cacahuate51 !

Lots of songs to choose from (most I didn't know)

Another slapping fest 🤩

4 hours ago, Mikson said:

Thanks for the week! @cacahuate51

I didn't expect songs by Slipknot or Avenged Sevenfold in a week with such a theme 😆

I was also surprised to see Lady Fantasy in the selection. This is an amazing composition and one of my favorite songs ever. I didn't even know that someone suggested this for selection, especially since this lasts over 12 minutes.

Some time ago I created a CDLC with a guitar path, I was also going to add a bass path to make the CDLC complete, but I haven't been able to get back to it lately...

just wanted to try to mix things up since last year i did valentines it was a bit more popish (i still play some of the songs though)
https://customsforge.com/topic/79723-rocksmith-2014-championship-week-590-valentines-week/

yea it was a pleasant surprise that i stumbled on in the list earlier today 😀. Very cool recommendation from @JobwanMojo hope to see them and anyone reading this reccomened more songs. Havent played your cdlc yet, ran out of time this week but will definatley give it a shot / maybe it can be added in future weeks ? Look forward for a bass addition cause the fhps could kinda be tweeked in that one but again thats something subjective.

my bass scores

ok so i played some again just so that i could see how it felt like to play them in a row/ some picks i had made later

• i bumped 11 minutes up 2.5 to a 3 cause i think it could be a lvl up song/ felt harder than wannabe
  

• i also bumped hawthorn from 4.5s to 5s as it has tricky parts not really a solo but i think its got enough variation that it can make it hard.

• int rhythm now needs to play alt lead path instead of rhythm path cause its harder (what i initially had in mind but goofed up). The rhythmn path is fun aswell and a good warmup for those who want to practice it. I'd probably add it in beginner but that class is full.
  

• i moved the slapathon song to master class and moved down the camel song (both rated 7.5). Initially i had it the other way around cause 12mins is a bit excessive for an advance song buuut i do feel like its slightly easier since its not too technical? just requires alot of stamina but lets see how advanced players do .
  
  i think it should be slightly more balanced but ill do any changes if you guys leave ratings aswell

Have a nice musweek everyone! Thanks for hosting this week @cacahuate51! And a happy ❤️ day!

YUNGBLUD - 11 Minute

Spice Girls - Wannabe

Hawthorne Heights - Ohio Is for Lovers. It was expectable terrible...

Slipknot - Snuff. Seems line there's nothing hard here but it was hard to play it.

Avenged Sevenfold - Unholy Confessions. Hard for me.

Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian (Revisited)

JENNIE - Handlebars

Camel - Lady Fantasy. I messed with my fingers in the fast parts.

Louis Cole - Park Your Car on My Face

Caio Cenci - Wide Steps. Unplayable for me.

11 hours ago, cacahuate51 said:

yea it was a pleasant surprise that i stumbled on in the list earlier today 😀. Very cool recommendation from @JobwanMojo hope to see them and anyone reading this reccomened more songs. Havent played your cdlc yet, ran out of time this week but will definatley give it a shot / maybe it can be added in future weeks ? Look forward for a bass addition cause the fhps could kinda be tweeked in that one but again thats something subjective.

I just didn't expect such a long song to be selected for the championship 😉

So far (since I've been participating), we've probably played one song by the band, "Never Let Go". It's been a while.

Interestingly enough, the first CDLC I ever created (and when I was learning what it was all about) was the song "Mystic Queen" by Camel. Later, I tried to create "Lady Fantasy", but this was too difficult due to the length, complex chart and tempo changes. I didn't return to it until years later. I'll try to go back and add bass, but probably not anytime soon.

I saw the band live about eight years ago. I was supposed to go again later, but concert was canceled due to their leader health issues, and I doubt it will ever happen again ☹️

Nice one (but tested my stamina)

Just love this one 🥹

16 hours ago, cacahuate51 said:

well that line reminded me of this video 😅. (Never really got into his fir stuff but his album as the first singer of etf still holds a spot in my heart.)

Showing this clip to everyone I know 🤣 I like Falling in Reverse, great energy at concerts is the biggest reason

Halsey is great, I liked her newer album concept a lot 🔥

Edited February 15Feb 15 by drand
Set up react app for this week

Guitar scores (really good songs)

3 hours ago, drand said:

Halsey is great, I liked her newer album concept a lot 🔥

yea halsey has some great songs. I was pretty sure i had an ep of hers on my older computer that had some really great music but looking through spotify none of the album covers looked familiar.

I thought it was a red one...google said it might be if i cant have love i want power album but none of the songs sound like the ones i remember. Interestingly tho, the previous album mentioned was made by trent reznor (nin) always interesting to look at the credits to see who composes the music.

it should be around without me illenium time period cause i remember liking that song but thatd be hopeless fountain and again none of the songs stand out so idk maybe it wasnt halsey (but she still has lots of good songs) xD apparently benny blanco made that album and that mans responsible for so many hits its kinda crazzy.

--

also nik is one lucky man to be able to jam this with his wife.goals
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RgbM2kZVj7U

Improvement

What do they wanna? 🤔

Dua Lipa is awesome, love her book club interviews and also her evolution of dance

Lady Fantasy 🫨...

I kinda like when the music glitches out and you gotta fight for your life 😂

@cacahuate51 thanks for the new week! But I want to play San Sebastian for bass 😢

3 hours ago, MaltaSoron said:

@cacahuate51 thanks for the new week! But I want to play San Sebastian for bass 😢

I forgot you were a bass only participant, my bad! Hadn't played the song before on that path cause time was running out so i thought it might be harder than it was. But it is now part of the week as bonus path :) have fun and hope you have a pick!

Havent had that long of a streak in a long time! I rated it a 4 but i used a pick, for those purists who dont use picks well..gl

Edit: ok so it looks like new scores do add just the previous arent registered cause react was done before i remade the week. Just waiting for the team to respond for the right steps and the old scores should be added automatically (soo no need to add them manually if anyone was planning to do that)

2 hours ago, cacahuate51 said:

I forgot you were a bass only participant, my bad! Hadn't played the song before on that path cause time was running out so i thought it might be harder than it was. But it is now part of the week as bonus path :) have fun and hope you have a pick!

Awesome, thank you very much!